Pre-Flight Checks & Battery Safety Flashcards

Which of the following is the correct sequence for a drone pre-flight check?

Answer: Check aircraft, battery, propellers, remote controller, then airspace and environment

A structured pre-flight check should cover the physical aircraft (frame, motors, propellers), battery state, remote controller, and then environmental/airspace factors. This sequence mirrors standard aviation practice and minimises risk of mechanical failure during flight.

What is the recommended minimum battery charge level before beginning a drone flight?

Answer: At or above the manufacturer's recommended minimum, typically 100% for planned flights

Best practice is to begin each flight with a fully charged battery (or as close to the manufacturer's recommendation as possible). Battery capacity decreases with age and in cold weather, so starting fully charged provides the maximum safety margin and flight time.

What is a LiPo (Lithium Polymer) battery's most important storage requirement when not in use for more than a few days?

Answer: Store at approximately 50–60% charge (storage voltage) in a cool, dry place

LiPo batteries should be stored at a 'storage voltage' of approximately 3.8 V per cell (around 50–60% charge). Storing fully charged or fully depleted degrades cell chemistry and reduces battery life. Many modern chargers have an automatic storage charge mode.

What visual sign indicates a LiPo battery is damaged and should not be used?

Answer: Swelling or puffing of the battery casing

A swollen (puffy) LiPo battery has undergone internal gas formation due to cell damage or degradation. This is a serious fire hazard — swollen batteries must be removed from service immediately, safely discharged, and disposed of at an appropriate facility.

Before every flight, a pilot should check the propellers for which of the following?

Answer: Cracks, chips, warping, and secure attachment

Propeller inspection should check for any physical damage (cracks, chips, delamination), warping, and that they are securely and correctly fitted. A damaged or loose propeller can cause loss of control or in-flight failure, making this one of the most critical pre-flight checks.

What should a drone pilot do if the aircraft's compass requires calibration before flight?

Answer: Perform the compass calibration away from metal structures, vehicles, and electronic interference as per the manufacturer's procedure

Compass calibration must be performed when prompted, following the manufacturer's procedure precisely. Calibrating near metal objects, vehicles, or sources of electromagnetic interference will produce an inaccurate calibration and can lead to erratic flight behaviour or fly-aways.